Effectiveness of a Robot-Assisted Psychological Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Holeva, Vasiliki; Nikopoulou, Vasiliki Aliki; Lytridis, Chris; Bazinas, Christos; Kechayas, Petros; Sidiropoulos, George K.; Papadopoulou, M; Kerasidou, Maria Dialechti; Karatsioras, C; Geronikola, N; Papakostas, George A.; Kaburlasos, Vassilis G.; Evangeliou, Athanasios

doi:10.1007/s10803-022-05796-5

Cited by 16 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…The auditory performance results of the present study show promise for conducting the PICKA psychophysics tasks, insofar as the voice cue sensitivity and voice gender categorisation tests are concerned on Sam. Furthermore, our results contribute to the growing potential of using humanoid robots for both learning and testing applications [ 34 – 36 , 75 , 76 ], also for specific target groups and rehabilitation applications (e.g., [ 43 , 77 , 78 ]), and our general understanding of speech communication and voice perception in HRI, an increasingly relevant topic for social robots [ 1 , 13 , 79 , 80 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Use of a humanoid robot for auditory psychophysical testing

Meyer,

Rachman,

Araiza-Illan

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Tasks in psychophysical tests can at times be repetitive and cause individuals to lose engagement during the test. To facilitate engagement, we propose the use of a humanoid NAO robot, named Sam, as an alternative interface for conducting psychophysical tests. Specifically, we aim to evaluate the performance of Sam as an auditory testing interface, given its potential limitations and technical differences, in comparison to the current laptop interface. We examine the results and durations of two voice perception tests, voice cue sensitivity and voice gender categorisation, obtained from both the conventionally used laptop interface and Sam. Both tests investigate the perception and use of two speaker-specific voice cues, fundamental frequency (F0) and vocal tract length (VTL), important for characterising voice gender. Responses are logged on the laptop using a connected mouse, and on Sam using the tactile sensors. Comparison of test results from both interfaces shows functional similarity between the interfaces and replicates findings from previous studies with similar tests. Comparison of test durations shows longer testing times with Sam, primarily due to longer processing times in comparison to the laptop, as well as other design limitations due to the implementation of the test on the robot. Despite the inherent constraints of the NAO robot, such as in sound quality, relatively long processing and testing times, and different methods of response logging, the NAO interface appears to facilitate collecting similar data to the current laptop interface, confirming its potential as an alternative psychophysical test interface for auditory perception tests.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Use of a humanoid robot for auditory psychophysical testing

Meyer,

Rachman,

Araiza-Illan

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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show abstract

“…Recent studies have increasingly applied robots in educational situations ( Pandey and Gelin, 2017 ), including the teaching of self-regulation skills ( Holtz and Lehman, 1995 ; Carlson, 2005 ; Lillard et al, 2015 ; Holeva et al, 2021 ). An important aspect of DG, however, is the ability to develop strategies to counter the effects of any frustration or preference reversal that may be occurring while actively choosing to wait for a preferred but delayed reward.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in order to obtain the robot’s reward in this variant of the game, children are required to press their button in turn with another child, thus teaching them to learn self-regulation skills. Holeva et al (2021) investigated the effects of robot-assisted relaxation training for children and its effects on emotional self-regulation. Lastly, Silva et al (2018) used a robotic dog as a control for novelty effects as children with autism interacted with a live dog.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the utility of robots as distractors during a delay-of-gratification task in preschool children

et al. 2023

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The development of executive function (EF) in children, particularly with respect to self-regulation skills, has been linked to long-term benefits in terms of social and health outcomes. One such skill is the ability to deal with frustrations when waiting for a delayed, preferred reward. Although robots have increasingly been utilized in educational situations that involve teaching psychosocial skills to children, including various aspects related to self-control, the utility of robots in increasing the likelihood of self-imposed delay of gratification remains to be explored. Using a single-case experimental design, the present study exposed 24 preschoolers to three experimental conditions where a choice was provided between an immediately available reward and a delayed but larger reward. The likelihood of waiting increased over sessions when children were simply asked to wait, but waiting times did not increase further during a condition where teachers offered activities as a distraction. However, when children were exposed to robots and given the opportunity to interact with them, waiting times for the majority of children increased with medium to large effect sizes. Given the positive implications of strong executive function, how it might be increased in children in which it is lacking, limited, or in the process of developing, is of considerable import. This study highlights the effectiveness of robots as a distractor during waiting times and outlines a potential new application of robots in educational contexts.

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“…Another study investigated the effectiveness of robot interventions for cognitive and psychological outcomes among older adults with cognitive impairment and found that robot interventions were effective in improving cognitive and psychological outcomes [ 21 ]. Additionally, a case study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a robot-assisted psychological intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder, which showed positive results [ 22 ]. While these studies provide evidence of the efficacy of robotic interventions, it is essential to note that each case is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on the individual patient and the specific intervention being performed.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical Frontiers: A Comparative Review of Robotics Versus Laparoscopy in Gynecological Interventions

Patel,

Chaudhari,

Jyotsna

et al. 2023

Cureus

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This review comprehensively examines the current state and future directions of gynecological surgery, focusing on the comparative analysis of laparoscopy and robotic surgery. The overview highlights the evolution of these surgical techniques, emphasizing their impact on patient outcomes, procedural efficiency, and safety profiles. The analysis encompasses critical factors such as cost-effectiveness, learning curves, and implications for postoperative recovery. The future of gynecological surgery is envisioned through emerging technologies, including augmented reality, single-incision laparoscopy, and artificial intelligence. The coexistence of laparoscopy and robotics is explored, acknowledging their respective strengths and roles in shaping women's healthcare. In conclusion, the dynamic nature of the field is underscored, emphasizing the need for a patient-centered and adaptable approach. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, engineers, and researchers is pivotal in unlocking these innovations' full potential, ensuring continued advancements in gynecological surgery for improved outcomes and enhanced patient care.

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Effectiveness of a Robot-Assisted Psychological Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cited by 16 publications

References 65 publications

Use of a humanoid robot for auditory psychophysical testing

Use of a humanoid robot for auditory psychophysical testing

Exploring the utility of robots as distractors during a delay-of-gratification task in preschool children

Surgical Frontiers: A Comparative Review of Robotics Versus Laparoscopy in Gynecological Interventions

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